WHY PORTUGAL - More than 300 sunny days per year. Mild Portuguese climate is one of the most favourable in Europe. It is warm, but not hot; moist, but not wet. It is comfortable to stay here during the whole year. There is no sweltering heat, which is so common in Mediterranean countries; there is also no strong temperature differences in winter.
Ecology
Portugal is among Europe’s leaders at clean beaches, most of which are marked with blue flag - the symbol of purity and quality assurance. Gorgeous beaches, crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, air full of the sea breeze and the scent of orange blossoms or Mediterranean pine trees – that is a typical Portuguese nature. Being on the edge of Europe, Portugal guarded itself from the consequences of industrialization creating a pure ecological oasis!
Security
Portugal is among TOP-10 countries in the world on life-safety according to compound index that consists of 24 criteria, including political stability, crime rate, participation in conflicts, human rights, unemployment rate, education level, etc. To some extent, such a high place can be explained by Portuguese mentality. Modern Portuguese people are peace-loving and law-abiding citizens. They do not like conflicts, and prefer to find a consensus instead of fighting.
Cost of living
Portugal offers one of the lowest cost of living in the EU, even despite the fact that prices are slowly growing as Portugal organizes its tax policy in accordance with the rest of the EU.
Real estate market
Portugal real estate market is stable and reliable. The average annual growth on investment is about 10%. The process of buying and selling property by foreign citizens is accompanied by a relatively easy procedure of registration and is completely transparent. In comparison with other southern countries, Portugal offers real value for money. During the crisis, there was no significant drop in real estate prices, unlike to other European countries (incl. Spain, Germany, Holland, etc.), which is also proves the fact that there were no bubble at the Portuguese market.
Portugal is a bridge between Europe, America and Africa. Due to great infrastructure and road networks, as well as low prices for air flights Portugal makes travelling through the country easy and fast. The center of tourist life in Portugal – Albufeira – is only 90 km away fom Spain and 350 km far from Gibraltar and Morocco. Madeira and the Azores, which belong to Portugal, are just 1.5 - 2 hour flight from the mainland.
The hospitality of the locals
The Portuguese are very kind and friendly people. They are extremely loyal to foreigners, who therefore do not feel "outsiders" in Portugal. There is practically no language barrier, because the locals are mostly good with English. Do not be surprised if after asking a stranger about the location of the object, he will accompany you to your point of destination, as Portuguese are always ready to help!
Healthy Mediterranean cuisine
Quality of life
Local residents cultivate stress-free lifestyle. Even in the capital of the country, life is pretty calm and measured. The absence of traffic jams and rush, clean air and healthy food, natural beauty and wonderful architecture make life in the country enjoyable and comfortable. Perhaps all these factors have such a great impact on Portuguese people life expectancy. One can easily meet here people who are already more than 90 years old and still do not want to retire.